How to Set the Table For Basic, Informal , and Formal Dinners.

Basic Table Setting...
Setting the table is often a stressful task that leaves us wondering about the correct way to place silverware, plates, glasses and napkins on the table. You don't need that added stress to your dinner plans, Its supposed to be fun. Just start with the basic table setting to start with and go from there, if you want it a little fancier, just add to it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plates.
• Glassware.
• Silverware.
• Napkins.
• Maybe a candle or two.

1. 
   Basic setting.

   BASIC SETTING:
   This is appropriate for most occasions, and you just add to the basic pieces as needed.
   1) Place the dinner plate in the center of the place setting and place everything else is around it.
   2) The flatware is arranged around the plate in the order in which it will be used. To the left of the plate is the fork. To the right of the plate is knife and spoon. The knife is placed to the right of the plate with the sharp edge toward the plate. to the right of the knife is the spoon.
   3) A glass of water goes above the knife.
   4) Napkins can be placed under the forks or on the plate for an informal setting.

2. 
   Informal setting.

   INFORMAL DINNER:
   Simply start with a basic setting and add to it.
   1) If you are serving a salad, the salad fork is placed to the left of the dinner fork.
   2) If you are serving soup, set the bowl on the plate and a spoon to the right of the beverage spoon.
   3) Salad or bread and butter plates go to the left of the forks. Position butter plates above with the butter knife placed across the plate.
   4) Cup and saucer go above the spoons with the handle toward the right. Wine or water glasses can be positioned to the left of the coffee cup.

3. 
   Formal setting.

   FORMAL DINNER:
   Begin with the setting for an informal dinner and add to it.
   1) If serving white wine, use a glass for white wine, if serving red wine, use a glass for red wine. Place the wine glass as well as a water glass to the left of the coffee cup.
   2) The beverage, soup and/or dessert spoons are to the right of the knife or can be brought to the table when soup or dessert is served.
   3) To dress it up even more, place a charger under the dinner plate.

4. 
   Table is set.

   After you have finished the table setting, stand back and look at it, walk around the table looking at everything. see! You did it and it looks great, now you can breath again and spend the rest of the time getting ready for your guests. Have a great dinner.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let yourself get stressed about setting the table, there are a lot of books out there that can help you as well as the internet.
• For me, I think I'm just going to have place mats made, some for basic, informal, and formal dinners with pictures on them showing were everything goes. I'm tired of having to always think about what goes were, especially if I'm in a hurry.
• This is also good for kids to learn at an early age. Have a diagram for each dinner setting and give them the one that's appropriate for the dinner at that time, and soon they won't need the diagram anymore.
• Remember, don't get too stressed about this, because it will ruin your dinner evening.

[ilivetoteach]

on 3/31/2009 Thank you for the info. I always forget how to do this. I'll save this article. *5